Filmmaking
Film Production, COVID and Insurance
I have been reading articles, talking with insurance companies, bond companies and others about insurance industry for Indie Film Productions in the US. The challenge is that Indie Films need the required insurance to cover a film when it is funded through the Indie method of Banking-Minimum Guarantees-Equity-Distributor-Completion Bond.
Fight Scene Details
In the films that I’ve worked on like the ”Taken” series, ”American History X”, etc., the script conveyed action in a laconic manner – and was later fleshed out in relation to the actual location and shot lists. Shane Black was masterful in writing his action moments together with strong characterization.
Auto Draft
CREATIVE EXPLORERS! This is a Go To website for Production Incentives, especially overseas. 1. Pandemic Response for Productions: With the ongoing pandemic, I think that there are going to more and more productions going overseas. The protocols in other countries...
Great Japanese Film Director Kenji Mizoguchi
Great Film Directors: Kenji Mizoguchi. He was a highly influential Japanese director admired by Welles, Kurosawa, Godard and more. I remembering seeing his two part film "47 Ronin" (1941) in the old Fox Venice Theater in West Los Angeles. This great Japanese story is...
Creative Explorers! Film Tone Explained in Filmmaking Video
Creative Explorers! "Goldmarks" Worthwhile bookmarks for building your Filmmaking Resources, Inspiration and Personal Productivity. "Tone" is that Opening Moment in a film, TV show or streaming content when I know the style, genre and feeling of the upcoming visuals...
VIDCON is FREE and ONLINE NOW
VIDCON, the premiere online gathering for Online Video, is FREE. You merely have to register to get into their Virtual Gathering. I have gone for the last 7 years and it's an amazing place to learn about Online Video, connect with people and hear the stories about...
Indie No Budget Distribution
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b95XIREFJwo The Filmmakers made a very good trailer. They outline their experience in securing distribution for both theatrical and worldwide VOD in this article at NoFilmSchool.com....
Orson Welles Interview
American History X
American History X is a 1998 American crime drama film directed by Tony Kaye, written by David McKenna, and stars Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Fairuza Balk, Stacy Keach, Elliott Gould, Avery Brooks, Ethan Suplee, and Beverly D'Angelo. The film was released in the...
Taken – The Original
Taken is a 2008 English-language French action thriller film directed by Pierre Morel, written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, and starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Leland Orser, Jon Gries, David Warshofsky, Holly Valance, Katie Cassidy, Xander Berkeley,...
ADVENTURE
Film Production, COVID and Insurance
I have been reading articles, talking with insurance companies, bond companies and others about insurance industry for Indie Film Productions in the US. The challenge is that Indie Films need the required insurance to cover a film when it is funded through the Indie method of Banking-Minimum Guarantees-Equity-Distributor-Completion Bond.
Fight Scene Details
In the films that I’ve worked on like the ”Taken” series, ”American History X”, etc., the script conveyed action in a laconic manner – and was later fleshed out in relation to the actual location and shot lists. Shane Black was masterful in writing his action moments together with strong characterization.
Film Production Insurers Regroup Amid Crippling COVID-19 Losses
http://news.ambest.com/newscontent.aspx?AltSrc=104&RefNum=230926 Best's Insurance News & Analysis - January 12, 2021 10:10 AM (EST) Bullet Points - Article (Below) •Film production claims account for about 60% of entertainment losses at Allianz •A typical $50...
How to Mark a Book
The Focus of the Writer, Filmmaker and Self-Improvement aficionado to become better at a craft, skill and Self with a constant and Lifetime Learning mentality seems one very specific character trait of this creative and driven personality. Insofar as this goes, I...
Curiousity: Samurai and The Mandalorian
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE - SAMURAI I love Samurai movies because they are so unique culturally, allowing me to see inside an amazing era of Japan’s rHistory. I remember seeing the ”Lone Wolf and Cub” series at the Fox Venice theater in West Los Angeles a long time ago. ...
Values in Filmmaking: Artistic Value
What are the ‘Values’ for Indie Filmmaking? When we think of ‘Values’ and Independent Film, I have seen Values that consistently show themselves in the financing and making of a Film. The challenge is that not everybody is looking at the same cards at the...
Auto Draft
Routine: Waking up Early I have gotten into the habit of becoming an Early Riser. This is particularly challenging in today’s world of pandemic where the usual required and obligatory routines ie work, school, etc., are either diminished or eliminated. Now stock day...
Authenticity for Artists for a Fulfilled Life. (#1 in a Series)
Being who you are creates confidence, inspires integrity and allows one to take risks. By understanding your own unique Values and Principles, you can better convey your unique understanding of the world and feel confident doing so in your Art. As Creative Explorers,...
Auto Draft
CREATIVE EXPLORERS! This is a Go To website for Production Incentives, especially overseas. 1. Pandemic Response for Productions: With the ongoing pandemic, I think that there are going to more and more productions going overseas. The protocols in other countries...
Great Japanese Film Director Kenji Mizoguchi
Great Film Directors: Kenji Mizoguchi. He was a highly influential Japanese director admired by Welles, Kurosawa, Godard and more. I remembering seeing his two part film "47 Ronin" (1941) in the old Fox Venice Theater in West Los Angeles. This great Japanese story is...
Denzel Washington Passionate Inspiring Speech
Creative Explorers! Film Tone Explained in Filmmaking Video
Creative Explorers! "Goldmarks" Worthwhile bookmarks for building your Filmmaking Resources, Inspiration and Personal Productivity. "Tone" is that Opening Moment in a film, TV show or streaming content when I know the style, genre and feeling of the upcoming visuals...
CREATIVITY
Film Production, COVID and Insurance
I have been reading articles, talking with insurance companies, bond companies and others about insurance industry for Indie Film Productions in the US. The challenge is that Indie Films need the required insurance to cover a film when it is funded through the Indie method of Banking-Minimum Guarantees-Equity-Distributor-Completion Bond.
Fight Scene Details
In the films that I’ve worked on like the ”Taken” series, ”American History X”, etc., the script conveyed action in a laconic manner – and was later fleshed out in relation to the actual location and shot lists. Shane Black was masterful in writing his action moments together with strong characterization.
Curiousity: Samurai and The Mandalorian
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE - SAMURAI I love Samurai movies because they are so unique culturally, allowing me to see inside an amazing era of Japan’s rHistory. I remember seeing the ”Lone Wolf and Cub” series at the Fox Venice theater in West Los Angeles a long time ago. ...
Authenticity for Artists for a Fulfilled Life. (#1 in a Series)
Being who you are creates confidence, inspires integrity and allows one to take risks. By understanding your own unique Values and Principles, you can better convey your unique understanding of the world and feel confident doing so in your Art. As Creative Explorers,...
Auto Draft
CREATIVE EXPLORERS! This is a Go To website for Production Incentives, especially overseas. 1. Pandemic Response for Productions: With the ongoing pandemic, I think that there are going to more and more productions going overseas. The protocols in other countries...
Great Japanese Film Director Kenji Mizoguchi
Great Film Directors: Kenji Mizoguchi. He was a highly influential Japanese director admired by Welles, Kurosawa, Godard and more. I remembering seeing his two part film "47 Ronin" (1941) in the old Fox Venice Theater in West Los Angeles. This great Japanese story is...
Denzel Washington Passionate Inspiring Speech
Creative Explorers! Film Tone Explained in Filmmaking Video
Creative Explorers! "Goldmarks" Worthwhile bookmarks for building your Filmmaking Resources, Inspiration and Personal Productivity. "Tone" is that Opening Moment in a film, TV show or streaming content when I know the style, genre and feeling of the upcoming visuals...
Filmmaking: Difference between DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras
The more and more you understand about camera, then the more you'll be "Thinking Like a Cameraman". This focus (pun intended) will help improve your strategic efforts in planning your project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ezKmawMEUs&feature=emb_logo
VIDCON is FREE and ONLINE NOW
VIDCON, the premiere online gathering for Online Video, is FREE. You merely have to register to get into their Virtual Gathering. I have gone for the last 7 years and it's an amazing place to learn about Online Video, connect with people and hear the stories about...
Indie No Budget Distribution
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b95XIREFJwo The Filmmakers made a very good trailer. They outline their experience in securing distribution for both theatrical and worldwide VOD in this article at NoFilmSchool.com....
Michael is in Miami reporting for Indie Brigade at the worldwide NATPE conference. NATPE is the much required short version of ”National Association of Television Programming Executives”. While the organization started as traditional television, the group now...
CURIOUSITY & TRENDS
VIDCON is FREE and ONLINE NOW
VIDCON, the premiere online gathering for Online Video, is FREE. You merely have to register to get into their Virtual Gathering. I have gone for the last 7 years and it's an amazing place to learn about Online Video, connect with people and hear the stories about...
Disney Stock Will Crash BigTime! Here’s Why…
Disney (DIS) stock has been cycling up and down in this volatile climate, replete with the Coronavirus, a frozen economy, a quarantined populace and considerable uncertainty for Social Public behavior for the vast majority of American consumers - the absolute vast...
Michael is in Miami reporting for Indie Brigade at the worldwide NATPE conference. NATPE is the much required short version of ”National Association of Television Programming Executives”. While the organization started as traditional television, the group now...
Best Quora Answer Ever – from Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence certainly is straightforward and outspoken - sometimes to her detriment in an image conscious Hollywood.
Spam Tools for an Email World Gone Mad
Useful tools you may have overlooked if you run your own website and have access to CPanel. I have been receiving far too much spam email and am now fighting back more and more. The amount of time spent on this nonsense is ridiculous. I have always said that a...
Martial Arts: Bill Wallace vs. Jackie Chan in 1985 Protector
I had the pleasure of meeting and training with Bill "Superfoot" Wallace in a seminar. He's smart, fast and very nice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju0D209T-v0
World War II – Japanese Side Footage in Color!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJLE2pnN9WY
World War II Submarines
I just love World War II submarine films. I've seen them all. Been trying to figure out how to do one for years - the plans are in the works as they say. Here's a great minidocumentary on the largest submarine of World War II - built by the Japanese to fly planes!...
Facebook No Longer a Filmmaker (or Entrepreneur’s) Friend
In this article on IndieWire, the author examines how Independent Filmmakers would use the Facebook platform to leverage themselves into an audience. Producer Dan Schoenbrun, Kickstarter’s former outreach guru for filmmakers, said Facebook has become almost useless...
PRODUCTIVITY
How to Mark a Book
The Focus of the Writer, Filmmaker and Self-Improvement aficionado to become better at a craft, skill and Self with a constant and Lifetime Learning mentality seems one very specific character trait of this creative and driven personality. Insofar as this goes, I...
Auto Draft
Routine: Waking up Early I have gotten into the habit of becoming an Early Riser. This is particularly challenging in today’s world of pandemic where the usual required and obligatory routines ie work, school, etc., are either diminished or eliminated. Now stock day...
Authenticity for Artists for a Fulfilled Life. (#1 in a Series)
Being who you are creates confidence, inspires integrity and allows one to take risks. By understanding your own unique Values and Principles, you can better convey your unique understanding of the world and feel confident doing so in your Art. As Creative Explorers,...
Marketing Essentials – “Made To Stick”
"Made To Stick" by Chris and Dan Heath is an Essential book to understand today's marketing direction and principles. Long gone is the Sales Shuffle where you can bamboozle a customer (at least if you want a long term customer) into using your services. Now, films,...
Book Review: “Getting Everything You Can Out of All You’ve Got”
Getting Everything You Can Out of All You've Got: 21 Ways You Can Out-Think, Out-Perform, and Out-Earn the Competition A trusted advisor to America's top corporations and recognized as one of today's preeminent marketing experts, Jay Abraham has created a program of...
“Mastery” by Robert Green
The book, "Mastery" by Robert Greene, is a fascinating compendium of masters throughout history who utilizes various techniques to learn their craft and become Masters. Taking, for example, Leonardo Da Vinci, we can see how the apprenticeship structure played a key...
Productivity Software – Daylite
I really like Daylite Software.
MIT Professor: Disconnect Me from the Internet
In this Day, when the internet supplies all the human needs, an MIT Professor suggest disconnecting from the internet. He simply no longer trusts the internet. I would not either in a number of ways. The internet can act, in many ways, like a crutch. If you don't...
Spam Tools for an Email World Gone Mad
Useful tools you may have overlooked if you run your own website and have access to CPanel. I have been receiving far too much spam email and am now fighting back more and more. The amount of time spent on this nonsense is ridiculous. I have always said that a...
PRODUCER
Michael works as a Producer-Line Producer-UPM. He is a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), the Producers Guild of America (PGA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). He is a bondable Line Producer. In this area, he has developed and worked toward his Filmmaking With a Calculator focus due to continued requests from producers to reconcile their script with their funding.
ENTREPRENEUR
Michael works in Media in both the traditional filmmaking motifs like Line Producing on such films as “Taken”, “Taken 2”, and “Taken 3”. He also works in Guerilla Filmmaking, directing low budget features and web series.
As an Entrepreneur, he is a businessman working in marketing for the burgeoning and explosive CBD market as a partner in several companies, cryptocurrrency and blockchain.
WRITER
Michael has written screenplays, novels and plays. His “Stealing Thunder” series won the Thrillspy Award. His script for the feature film “Conviction: Murder in Four Parts” won the Best Screenplay Award in the Culver City Film Festival. He has written for two web series. He has been hired to write or had optioned 14 scripts.
Michael earned a Masters Degree in Professional Writing from the prestigious USC Writing Program. As a lifetime student of history, he searches for more stories to tell.
ENDORSEMENTS

Dawn Karen Roberts – Programs and Events Coordinator and Client Relations
I have worked with Michael on various productions for over 15 years.
He is highly experienced in all facets of film and video production. His strengths are budgeting at any level, union or non-union, legal film requirements, implementing the cutting edge of new industry technologies, and post production, utilizing his experience and talents to cut costs while maintaining a high quality of picture in addition to a having great sense of humor. I highly recommend Michael.

Elizabeth Crowens – Author & Freelance Journalist
Michael was great. I did several independent features where Michael was either the UPM or Line Producer and I worked as a Unit Still Photographer. Honest, fair, great personality. I would recommend him to any producer who needs a competent person to run the show.

Frank Kostenko – Computer Vision Engineer
Michael is a true professional. With limitless energy and drive, total dedication to our projects. He is one of those unique individuals I’ve worked with during my twenty-plus yr managment career who sets the performance standard for everyone. I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next in his truly inspirational career! I also hope I might work with him again someday, for I believe I would be the better man for it.

Jeff Varga – Producer/Director, Emmy® Award Winning Editor
Michael’s always got a handle on the situation and doesn’t let things slip. You’re in good hands when he’s running the show.

Steve Gregan – Owner, Waterfront Sound
Owner, Waterfront Sound
Mike Mandaville is the personification of professionalism. Hie is thorough, exacting, and conscientious…while somehow maintaining a wicked sense of humor…Mike is huge asset to any team. I hope to work with him again soon.

Billy Greenfield – Motion Picture and Commercial Producer
I really like working for Michael when I get the chance. He’s on top of the details, but not overbearing. He really knows the film business but he also lets you do your job without micromanaging (as long as you’re doing it right.) When you’re not doing it right, he makes sure you know the right way in a professional, thoughtful manner.
He’s also a really good person with a fun personality who makes me laugh, which is helpful when we work the long hours we do. I don’t always agree with Michael on everything, but he’s fair.

Ray Griggs – CEO RG Entertainment
CEO RG Entertainment
Michael is a regular Renaissance Man, exceptional at his work but has many talents. Would be honored to work with him again! -RG

Charlie Otte – Sr. Show Producer, Universal Studios
I was lucky enough to have Michael Mandaville line producing for the game, “Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail,” and he was an organizational wonder. Michael works hard, puts in long hours, and is on top of every detail. He is smart, forward thinking, and a great problem solver. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with him again.

Donna Parish – Hot Flash Films
Hot Flash Films
Michael is very realistic regarding budgeting film. He provided great ideas of saving money in one area so I could really get what I wanted in another area

Nanci Roberts – Art Director’s Guild
Michael Mandaville is one of my favorite people in the industry. I work with him every chance I get. He has this rare quality of being in charge but making everyone feel like they have a major part in the production. He creates a working environment where everyone wants to do their best. He’s a master of negotiating a win-win situation that leaves you feeling like you have a genuine solution. He’s one of the most trustworthy Line-Producers in the Entertainment business. He gets things done and keeps a wonderful sense of humor. I never have seen him rattled even under ridiculously difficult situations, which in turn keeps the entire cast and crew on an even keel. His relationships with the unions and bond companies are outstanding. His understanding of budgets and what is really imperative is extraordinary. If you get a chance to work with Michael, you’ll want him on every project.

Dan Reardon – Pres. Peak Distribution Partners, LLC
Pres. Peak Distribution Partners, LLC
Michael Mandaville is one of the smartest people in the film business.
He is my go to person for any complicated production management and or completion bonding issues.
He is realistic, honest, hard working, a team player and fun to have around.

Edward Bates – Producer/Director/Writer
Michael is detail oriented, exact in his work and extremely honest. I would hire him again and again and again.

D.J. Ritchie – Production Sound Mixer
I have worked as a production sound mixer for Michael Mandaville since March 1995. All of the shows that Michael has line produced have been run efficiently and were very well organized. He has always treated me fairly and is very loyal to crew he has worked with in the past.

Cathy Vlasuk – Production Coordinator
I worked with Michael as the Assistant Production Coordinator on the feature film “Taken” starring Liam Neeson. He is one of the best Line Producers I have ever worked with. We had many challenges on this film, working with an all French crew, time difference between the United States and France and much more and Michael handled it so well coming in on time and under budget. I would work with with Michael again in a second. He creates a very enjoyable environment even in very stressful situations. He is really great to work with as well as work for.

Sara Anne Fox – Owner at Fox-Editswork
Michael is a detail-oriented, efficient and tireless producer and creator. His mind is brimming with ideas on how to make things better, always aiming for the most creatively satisfying experience for all.

John Hart – Pres. John Wm. Hart III Insurance Agency
Pres. John Wm. Hart III Insurance Agency
No matter how complex the situation, Michael has always been able to keep calm, focus at the task at hand and at times find creative solutions. These are perfect qualifications for someone in production or any business. Besides all that…he’s a nice guy too!

Sam Urdank – Photographer
Michael is as capable a line producer as you can get. With his positive solution seeking attitude there is no fire he can not put out. He brings his deep understanding of the working mechanics of the film making process to make each project he involves himself in a success. He is personable and generally has a glass half full outlook, always looking to do his best to help his crew perform their job at their best.
LOOKING FOR A WORLD CLASS PRODUCER
TO SPEAK AT YOUR NEXT EVENT?
ABOUT
Michael Mandaville received a Master's Degree from USC in their prestigious Professional Writing Program, attended the BA program for Columbia College and received a BA from UCSB in Philosophy. Additionally, is a media Producer, Writer, Director, and Adventurer. His credits span across 8 novels, over 50 Film & TV Productions and as many screenplays.
michael mandaville
